More or less protein? What to eat to get you through a heatwave

“There’s no need for more protein in a heatwave,” says Aisling Daly, senior lecturer in nutrition at Oxford Brookes University.

But if you fancy it, some of the most common proteins will need cooking (like meat, chicken and fish) and that can be off-putting in the heat. Even an outdoor BBQ can be too hot to handle.

Enter the air fryer. Cooking a chicken leg in the worktop device uses less than half the energy of a conventional oven, according to Radio 4’s Sliced Bread. And because they are smaller and speedier, they also pump less heat into your kitchen.

But experts say don’t forget about your slightly less fashionable slow cooker – likely buried in the back of your cupboard. Even though they run for longer, they’re typically more energy efficient and release even less heat than the air fryer.

The reality, though, is that simply by eating and digesting protein, our bodies produce more heat than other food groups.

That’s due to the energy needed by the stomach, intestines and liver to break down and absorb these complex molecules.

So that steak you crave will only bring you out in a sweat. Try fruit, veg and carbs instead – as all are easier to digest.

You can also get your protein from lentils, nuts, milk, tofu and cheese too.

To reduce body heat while still getting your protein fix, Dr Daly recommends focusing on things like bean salads, eggs, pre-cooked meats and plenty of Greek yoghurt (frozen too).

Making a smoothie by blending up fruit, veg and yogurt (while adding in peanut butter for protein) can provide a balanced, nutritious meal in an easy way.

And it might also be time to turn to some lighter fish, such as tuna, salmon or prawns.